New BlackBerry Storm 2 smartphone extends Verizon's reach

The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone, a successor to the original Storm, will be available by the end of the month, Verizon Wireless announced today.

Verizon Wireless/Newscom

Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion today announced that the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone, pictured here, will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com/storm, and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28.

According to a release from Verizon and BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion, the Storm 2 "evolves the BlackBerry touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements" and extends the "communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones."

Translation: There are some cool features here. Chief among them is a tricked-out suspension system called "SurePress," which gives the touchscreen the same clickability as a traditional keypad. And the phone itself gets an aesthetic revamp – see photo at right – from some new chrome accents to a stainless steel backplate. Verizon Wireless says the Storm 2 can make calls in more than 220 countries, and access data in 185.

You know, in case you've got a really busy itinerary.

The BlackBerry Storm 2 will be available on Wednesday. Factor in all the rebates, discounts, and a two-year contract, and the price tag comes in at just under $180.

Meanwhile, owners of the original Storm will get a free update to the new 5.0 BlackBerry OS, which Research in Motion says will improve usability and include "visual enhancements such as inertial scrolling, spin boxes that make it easier to set dates and times, gradient shading on buttons, and more use of animation."